United postpones Denver to Tokyo route

DENVER - If you have a direct flight booked from Denver to Tokyo, chances are you may have to reschedule.

United Airlines announced Thursday afternoon that it will postpone flights until May 12 from Denver to Tokyo because of problems with the 787 Dreamliner.

Direct flights from Denver International Airport to Tokyo's Narita Airport were scheduled to start March 31.

"We remain committed to flying from Denver to Narita with the 787, and we will launch the route after the aircraft re-enters service," United Spokeswoman Christen David said. "We want to thank Mayor Hancock, Aviation Director Kim Day and our other Denver partners who have been instrumental in introducing this route."

David said United is working with passengers.

"We are re-accommodating anyone who wants to change his or her travel plans," David said.

In a statement, Mayor Hancock said, "United Airlines, the City and County of Denver and all of our partners remain committed to the long-term success of this new nonstop flight."

Last year, Hancock said the flight would bring a $130 million annual economic benefit to Colorado. (http://www.metrodenver.org/metro-denver-news/united-airlines-and-denver-say--konnichiwa--to-tokyo.html)

Thursday afternoon, 9News asked the mayor how much the postponement may hurt Colorado economically.

"That's not something I can measure at this point," Hancock said. "We hadn't inaugurated the flight. And so you don't miss what you didn't have."

Hancock further emphasized the airplane's safety.

"The key is make sure it's safe and then we'll inaugurate the flight in may and we'll get United moving and we'll get our folks moving across the waters," he said.